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9/3/2024
CN recently renamed its Woodcrest Shops in Homewood, Illinois, the Harris Shops to honor former Chief Operating Officer Ed Harris.
He began his long railroading career — which spanned more than 40 years — at the shops. Harris served Illinois Central Railroad (IC) and CN for more than 30 years, including a recent stint as COO and then a consultant at CN.
In 1998, he was vice president of operations at the IC when the railroad was acquired by CN. Harris joined the IC in 1968 and later held positions of increasing responsibility in communications, materials control, labor relations and transportation. His IC service was interrupted by a four-year tour with the U.S. Marine Corps.
Later at CN, Harris served stints as VP of the Midwest Division and chief transportation officer. He left CN in 2007 after a long career with the Class I, lastly as executive vice president of operations.
Harris retired a number of times late in his career, but then ultimately accepted executive or consultant roles at various Class Is. He served as COO of Canadian Pacific from 2010 to 2012 and EVP of operations for CSX from 2018 to 2020.
“Ed’s contributions have set a standard for excellence not only at CN but within the rail industry, and we are so proud to celebrate his legacy in this meaningful way,” CN officials said in a LinkedIn post.